No matter what kind of gun you own, the accessories make the difference between a top-shelf firearm and one you can buy at any chain department store. Of course, in many states, even that is next to impossible, so you aren’t likely to need any accessories for a firearm that doesn’t deserve all the bells and whistles.
Now then, take a gun like the hunter’s favorite for small game, the AR-15, and you will want a top-notch scope, front and rear sights, and a number of other aftermarket accessories that add layers of pleasure to any hunting trips you take.
1. Optics For The AR-15
We’ve chosen to base our tips on the lightweight AR-15 since it is literally the gold standard in hobbyist small game hunting. There are many reasons why hunters prefer this semi-automatic firearm when out there seeking their next kill, but suffice it to say it has all the capabilities needed for a perfect hunting experience.
The scope you choose for your firearm is actually an optic that gives you a sighting pattern for exact reference. While many may look like others on the market, you will almost certainly want optics designed and tooled by experts. Iron sights are always reliable and if you are looking to shoot small game, precision will be your ultimate ‘tool.’
2. Less Is Better
One mistake many new rifle owners make is to think that they need all the bells and whistles to impress other friends and gun enthusiasts. Unfortunately, this is a huge mistake. As mentioned above, the precision from which a gun or accessory is crafted makes all the difference in the world. Shooting is a hobby that requires precision and quality materials used in the accessories they are using. Any accessory less than perfect can be a safety issue and will also take all the fun out of the hobby.
It’s next to impossible to hit your mark every time if the optics are not up to par. One tiny fraction of an inch on the optics can have you missing your mark by several feet. With that in mind, choose one or two of the accessories you want. After a time, you will have amassed a sufficient amount of money to buy another accessory or two. With that said, just know that in terms of firearms, less is truly better than more.
3. Knowing Where To Shop
This could perhaps be the most important tip of all. If you are going to use a firearm, then you will want optics and other accessories that have proven to be crafted from high-quality materials and are tooled with precision in mind. Sometimes it pays to purchase direct from a manufacturer you have come to respect. Shopping from a big store that carries various brands of guns and accessories can be a bit risky. It doesn’t always stand to reason that clerks in big stores are as knowledgeable as they need to be to offer advice on the gun and/or accessories they carry.
It is wiser to shop directly from the designer and manufacturer because they know their products, why they were developed, and how to use and care for them. You will not often get this kind of advice from a big box store. Of course, there are expert gun owners out there who do know the ins and outs of guns and accessories from various manufacturers, but do you want to take that chance? If you want top-of-the-line products and customer service, shop from the people who know their products best. That would be the manufacturer or a specialist arms store 99.999% of the time.
